
At Sababi, we conduct our own research and implement studies led by other researchers that demand academic-grade data collection even in difficult-to-study regions.
Social and Justice Attitudes of Traditional Somali Elders
Somali clan elders are the main arbiters of interpersonal and intergroup disputes. They are often called upon to resolve intra-household conflicts, act as judges and advocates in minor civil cases, enact punishment and restitution in murder cases, and everything in between. Their role as mediators in inter-clan conflict has elevated their importance in politics — elders are essentially responsible for selecting parliamentary representatives for their clan in Somalia, and elders serve in the House of Elders (or Guurti) in Somaliland. This project is the first large-scale survey of clan elders. Our goal is to understand how elders view issues of justice and dispute resolution and whether there are avenues for reform of Somali customary justice (xeer) that would enhance access to justice for marginalized groups without undermining the only justice institution that serves most Somalis. In addition, the project captures political and social attitudes of clan elders, maps the structure and hierarchy of the elder system, and provides empirical data on the size of clans in different locations.
Partners: This project is being funded by the Knowledge Platform for Security & Rule of Law (KPSRL) through the Knowledge Management Fund.
The Somali Dialogue Platform
The Somali Dialogue Platform is a policy dialogue and facilitation initiative, managed by the Rift Valley Institute (RVI) and under the broader Somalia Stability Fund, that responds to the need to support more collaborative, productive and inclusive political processes that can transform Somalia’s political settlement. Sababi provides Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) leadership to the Platform. Sababi is responsible for the design and implementation of the Platform’s MEL systems, ensuring that impact and contribution to political settlement processes are clearly defined, evidenced, and communicated through the use of credible and innovative methodologies. As MEL lead, Sababi advises the programme leadership on overall design and MEL, trains programme and partner staff in delivering MEL activities, and ensures programme donors have a clear understanding of the Platform’s work. Sababi is also responsible for the development, implementation, and design of the knowledge management system, capturing both internal and external data and documentation to contribute to a culture of learning and adaptation within the programme.
Lessons Learned from the Somali Girls' Education Promotion Program - Transition Phase
SOMGEP-T was an FCDO-funded education program implemented in Somaliland, Puntland, and Galmudug from 2017 to 2022. Building on past evaluation reports, internal documents, and incorporating new qualitative interviews, the team produced a variety of research briefs and learning papers for public dissemination. The research briefs included case studies of the program’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and their links to higher enrolment rates; the attitudes of religious leaders toward girls’ education and their influence on community norms; and how after-school girls’ clubs (Girls’ Empowerment Forums) affected beneficiaries confidence, social capital, mental health, and likelihood of continuing their education.